Veteran Stalwarts of Rugby League Bid Farewell After Illustrious Careers
As the curtain falls on another rugby league season, we witness the retirement of absolute legends of the game who have dedicated almost two decades to the sport. Compiling an ultimate 17 based on Super League’s seasoned veterans, we delve into the history books to uncover the oldest players to have graced the top flight during the summer era.
Backline Brilliance
Brad Davis (56) kicks things off at fullback, having amassed over 300 appearances for various clubs, including stints in France, before calling time on his career in 2006. Joining him in the backline is the still-active Ryan Hall (36), Super League’s all-time leading try-scorer and a six-time Grand Final champion with Leeds Rhinos, who will return to his boyhood club in 2025.
In the centers, we have Keith Senior (48), a four-time Grand Final winner with Leeds and a former Challenge Cup victor with Sheffield Eagles, whose retirement in 2011 was hastened by the demise of Crusaders. Rounding out the backline is Gareth Thomas (49), the rugby union stalwart who briefly dipped his toe into the 13-a-side code with Crusaders in the twilight of his career.
Formidable Forwards
The forwards are led by Jermaine McGillvary (36), the Huddersfield Giants legend now plying his trade in the Championship with Wakefield Trinity. Joining him are Kevin Brown (39), the experienced playmaker who hung up his boots in 2021 after a storied career, and Tommy Leuluai (38), the two-time Super League champion who retired at the end of the 2022 season.
Anchoring the pack are the true icons of the game – Adrian Morley (47), the first Briton to win Grand Finals in both the NRL and Super League, and the legendary James Roby (37), the St Helens stalwart who only recently called time on his illustrious 20-year career.
Rounding out the side are Gareth Ellis (39), the two-time Super League champion with Leeds who enjoyed a brief comeback with Hull FC, and the evergreen Steve Menzies (50), the oldest player in our squad, who played on until he was 39 and nine months with Catalans Dragons.
Completing the 17 is Sean O’Loughlin (41), the one-club wonder who spent his entire 459-game career with Wigan Warriors, winning four Super League titles and earning 10 major honors before retiring in 2020.
“These players have left an indelible mark on the game, and their legacies will be celebrated for generations to come.”
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